-Isms: Views on life in rural America

In the sidebar, we have a T-shirt screen print available that reads, “Merry Stress-mas.” I can relate. It’s Monday night and I haven’t started holiday shopping. In my defense, we aren’t celebrating family Christmas until a week later, but, still. My sister asked what the plans are for Dec. 25 and my response was, “I have no clue.”

In a former life, I loved decorating and cooking for the holidays. We definitely decked the halls ... and every other room in the house. You do those things when you’re a parent and want to create memories as a family.

Now that I’m older, I think I focus more on the reason for the season, not the commercialization of it. I’d rather spend time with family instead of trying to pick out a gift they may not want or need.

It’s why I miss our big Fields family holiday get-togethers so much, you know, when the aunts, uncles and cousins all converged on the grandparents’ house and we spent most of our school break there. It wasn’t about the presents - really, it wasn’t - it was about time. Time well spent, with intense and, sometimes, meaningless, conversations and card games and Trivial Pursuit. Hanging out in the kitchen, bonding over Christmas cookies and Tom and Jerry’s. It was about shenanigans with the cuzzies. Yeah, there were plenty of those.

I will admit, part of me is dreading this week. One year ago, on Christmas, I finally realized Dad’s time on earth was coming to an end. At times, it feels like I’ve been on cruise control since he left, handling what needs to be dealt with and not focusing on other moments. Important moments. I’m working on that mindset.

Plenty to be thankful and grateful for this year. I count my blessings every day and realize I am extremely blessed with a loving family, kind (and fun) friends, and a supportive community. I’m excited about what the future holds in the Summerland region. So many positive things are going on here, all fueled by hope and dreams.

This Christmas, cherish time with loved ones, focus more on moments big and small and sing praises with the angels on this holy night.

Merry Christmas to all of you.